Best Gifts for Runners Reviewed & Compared

By Vince Tinebra

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After spending a quite a lot of time researching, we chose these gift ideas based on convenience, price, and quality. I could, however, have easily gone on for pages about this stuff. There’s just so much to choose from, and it’s some pretty cool stuff. Every one of these items should be on my wish list and yours too if you’re a runner. Hopefully, this list did what I intended: provided a variety of gift options suited to make even the pickiest run junkie happy.

Featured Recommendations

Nike Revolution 3

4.8 out of 5 Our rating

Soft foam midsole

Price: See Here

Duduma Polarized

4.5 out of 5 Our rating

100% UV400 protection

Price: See Here

Rocket Pure Natural

4.7 out of 5 Our rating

Foot and Shoe Deodorizer

Price: See Here

20 Best Gifts for Runners

1. Nike Revolution 3 Running Shoe

We’re starting with the obvious here. A running shoe? Wow, thanks for the no-brainer. Well guess what, it’s the perfect starting point for this list, and your favourite running enthusiast, for that matter. The NIKE Men's Revolution 3 Running Shoe is a high-end product not necessarily in the high-end price range, that provides the wearer with everything you need to get out and hit the track: comfort, style, and...what else do you need?

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I’m walking on cloud Nike.
See what I did there? It’s like being on cloud nine, because they’re so comfortable, but they’re made by Nike too, so there’s that. Very clever, eh? But for real, there’s a soft foam midsole, and the shoe is lightweight, which all makes for a good time for your feet.

They’re like works of art for your feet!
Look at them, they are slick. I’m personally a fan of simple, practical design with clean lines and lots of aesthetic appeal. If you feel the same way, these shoes were made for you.

Cost and Value
Like most shoes, the cost does vary based on your size and the style you choose. But no matter the choice, this shoe will perform exactly the way it needs to, every time you go out. Just the comfort factor alone makes this a very good value though.

Pros

Mesh upper is breathable

Lightweight cushioning

Rubber outsole for solid traction

Very clean, minimal design is appealing

Cons

Not the sturdiest construction

Sometimes you pay for the name

2. Health Warrior Chia Bars

Mmmm, chia. What is chia, actually? Is it good? If you ask me, it’s a resounding “sort of?”. That’s a matter of opinion, but you know what’s fact? Chia is really good for you. Good for you doesn’t always taste great, but when you pack it together with a bunch of other great ingredients, you get a bar with great taste and texture built to power you through the day.

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I feel super!
Full of calcium, tonnes of magnesium, more protein than an egg, soy free, gluten free, dairy free. But not flavour free. These little bars have more than enough of everything to give you the energy need to tackle the day.

Like the colours of the rainbow…
That was supposed to allude to the fact that there are many different flavours to pick, making sure you’re never bored with your snack. Take a look at their website, they even have a rainbow sampler pack with eight different flavours to try. So many options.

Cost and Value
All in all, a decently priced health bar compared to what’s out there. Different flavors to choose from, which does give these bars good “replay value”. They seem a bit small, but keep in mind that they are packed with good stuff, so they don’t need to be huge.

Pros

Packed with super foods

High in antioxidants

Doesn’t taste artificial

Good variety of flavors

Cons

Quite small

Can be an acquired taste

3. Running Buddy Magnetic Pouch

It’s always good to take a buddy with you when out for a run, but would you want to carry them? In this case, yes, because it’s small and does stuff for you. What kind of stuff? Stick it to your waistband, and it will hold all your running essentials safely without you having to worry about them. Now that’s a buddy.

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Where`d it go?
Relax, it’s right where you put it. It’s a pretty cool feeling, being on your run, pushing for that extra few metres, and NOT being encumbered by a bulging wallet clunky keys, or any of that.

You can live in here!
Obviously that’s not true, but I had you going there for a minute, didn’t I? It is pretty roomy though, letting you easily store your phone, wallet, cards, or inhaler You need it with you, this pouch will take it.

Cost and Value
It’s a lot like a wallet, expect better. It holds more, it’s more versatile, it holds things more securely, yet it costs less than many wallets. That means great value. Who knew?

Pros

Slim profile doesn’t get in the way

Water resistant

Fits into place without a belt

Plenty of room

Cons

Magnets aren’t very strong

Can be stiff

4. Alfamo Cooling Towel

It’s a towel. There haven’t really been any innovations in towel technology since there were discovered to have the ability to dry things. That’s all changed now, because the Alfamo Cooling Towel keeps you, well, cool. It chills instantly and holds that chill for up to three hours, making it absolutely perfect for after a hard run, when the cooling touch is just what you need.

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It keeps you cool.
This should be pretty self-explanatory by now, but fine, let’s talk about it again. Soak it, ring it out, and snap it. Now apply it to your skin. There. Now you’re cool. Which is pretty great, really.

A carrying case for a towel?
As cool as it looks to walk around with your towel draped across your shoulders all carefree like, it can get annoying after awhile. That’s why this one comes in its own case with a carabiner clip, so it’s always ready for you.

Cost and Value
It cools. For a long time. That right there is worth any price, just for the relief it offers. It’s almost like witchcraft. Good thing it also has a great price point, which only varies based on the size of towel that you choose.

Pros

Activates instantly

Continues cooling for hours

Comes with a handy carrying pouch

Very soft

Cons

Color can run

Can start to smell a bit after awhile

5. Body Glide Anti-Chafe Balm

Chafing sucks. It hurts. Enter Body Glide Original Anti-Chafe Balm. Apply it before you get dressed (duh) prior to going out for a run. While you’re out there, go hard. Push yourself. When you’re done, guess what, it won’t hurt. On top of that, you won’t notice it, because it doesn’t go on messy. The best part, besides the no pain part, it lasts for hours.

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Clean yourself up!
No mess application. That is good to hear. Glide the balm wherever you need it, and watch as it doesn’t leave a film on your skin or mess up your clothes. It stays where it’s supposed to in order to keep you chafe free.

Achoo!
Not with this product. Body Glide is made entirely from allergen free, plant based ingredients. That means go ahead and slather it on, you won’t break out in a horrible rash. At least not from this balm. It’s also vegan friendly and child safe, so yay!

Cost and Value
For those who have experienced chafing pain before, this stuff makes it go away. Personally, I’d pay almost anything for that blessing. Luckily, I don’t have to, since Body Glide is very reasonably well priced. Worth its weight in gold.

Pros

Allergen free ingredients

Not messy

Doesn’t clog pores

Clothing safe

No residue

Cons

Can irritate skin

Occasionally goes on sticky

6. Foxelli Headlamp Flashlight

You’re at home after work a bit stressed out, and a bit more bored. Suddenly, a light bulb appears above your head. Go for a run, that solves everything! The only problem is it’s dark outside. Also scary. Just strap the Foxelli Headlamp Flashlight to your head, and get out there and shine.
Even better, you’ll look kind of like a miner out for a run!

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Blinded by the light.
Wrapped up like a-- oh, sorry. Just as I started writing about the insane brightness of this headlamp, my mind wandered. Anyway, the lamp has S.O.S. and strobe mode, making it the most versatile, as well as the brightest, headlamp out there.

What’s that on your head?
Oh, I forgot it was there. That’s right, I’m trying to illustrate how light and compact it is, by saying that there may be times that you forget you’re wearing it. Try not to though, you might get weird looks.

Cost and Value
Well built construction, a long lasting bright LED, and a good price all combine to bring you a headlamp that you can rely on anytime you want to hit the road at night.

Pros

Super bright LEDs

Waterproof

Battery lasts up to 48 hours while running

Tough construction

Cons

No red light as advertised

Has trouble changing modes at times

7. Balega Hidden Comfort Running Socks

I don’t wear socks often, I find them constricting. When I go out, though, and certainly when I do something strenuous such as running, even I’m not crazy enough to go sock-free. With these, they sit low, so they don’t constrict. Also, I can wear socks, but you won’t know it, hence I get to keep my reputation as a free spirit.

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Don’t mesh with my socks.
If you run, you sweat. That sweat is unpleasant and uncomfortable. Enter the DryNamix moisture management technology, and that doesn’t happen. They are designed to keep your feet cool and dry, and breathing freely.

Stay!
I hate when I’m wearing socks, walking around, and my socks start slipping. It’s annoying. The Balega Hidden Comfort Athletic No Show Running Socks are built with an extra deep heel pocket so they fit perfectly, and they stay put.

Cost and Value
They’re socks. How much could they be? By virtue of what they are, they are not pricey. Add in the fact that they offer so much and are specifically made for running, and you’ve got yourself a great product and value.

Pros

Large variety of colors

Nice structured fit

Mesh ventilation

Perfect fit

Cons

Not the most comfortable

Not a lot of cushioning

8. GU Energy Gel

GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel is designed to help you perform at your highest level, packed with calories (for energy) and electrolytes, all in a small take-anywhere package. Not only is it giving you energy, it’s doing it fast and efficiently, is lasts for a long time, so you can just keep going.

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So many energies.
Dual source energy from maltodextrin and fructose, some science talk about non-competing pathways, and voila, you get energy to keep going. Lots and lots of energy.

I can’t stop.
Once the energy is absorbed quickly (see the science mumbo jumbo above), it stays with you for very long time, making it most ideal for long-distance and endurance athletes, but still works great if you leave your home and just want to run.

Cost and Value
GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel works just as well for training as it does for endurance races, so it’s versatile, so already it’s got good value. Break down the price of a case to the individual unit, and the value just keeps getting better.

Pros

BCAA’s to decrease muscle damage and mental fatigue

Wide variety of flavors

Rapid absorption

Easy to carry and open

Cons

Not the best aftertaste

Almost too sweet

9. Under Armour Raid Shorts

If you’re out running on a blistering hot day with the sun beating down, you need to wear something that helps keep you comfortable, cool, and looking good. Boom, here you go. Just pick your color choice, and there are a lot, and get out there, enjoy the day, and stay cool, in more ways than one.

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Another rainbow reference!
This time it makes more sense, because I’m actually talking about colors. There are so many to choose from, ensuring you’ll never be boring. There are over twenty combinations to choose from, which is like a different pair each day for three weeks. Because you definitely need that.

Sun safe.
Built in UPF 30+ protects your skin from the harmful rays of the sun, making sure you won’t get any of those nasty sunburns after a long run. Nobody likes being in pain every time their clothes brush up against their skin.

Cost and Value
When it comes to athletic clothing, a lot of times you end up paying for the brand, and not the quality of the product. Fortunately, that’s not the case. It’s true you pay for the Under Armour name, but with it comes the solid construction you’d expect.

Pros

HeatGear fabric for comfort

4-way stretch for great mobility

Fast drying fabric

Lightweight construction

Cons

Frays easily

Fits small

10. FlipBelt Waist Band

It looks like a giant bracelet, for your waist. So, a belt? No, not really. It’s thin, but it holds whatever you need to carry, and it fits like a band with no annoying buckles or straps. It’s machine washable and dryable too. Trying doing that with a belt.

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It’s all you need
This eliminates the need for multiple carrying implements when out during a run, which is good because too much stuff can throw off your balance. Being unbalanced when running isn’t good, so thank you FlipBelt, for taking care of that.

Give me your money! What money?
As an added bonus to the FlipBelt, even when you’re not running, it can be used as a hidden money belt, keeping your cash tucked away safe and secure. This is especially helpful when travelling.

Cost and Value
For less than the cost of a belt, you get a device that holds everything you’d want to take with you on a run without being cumbersome, and eliminates uncomfortable buckles and other fasteners, so I’d say you get your money’s worth.

Pros

Lots of pretty colors

Reflective logo for visibility

Easy to clean

Holds the largest phones

Cons

Small openings for the pockets

Not the sturdiest construction

11. Camden Gear Hydration Pack

Let’s be clear, this is not meant for the casual runner or marathon racer. This 1.5 liter bladder is going to add a bit of bulk to your run no matter how you look at it. That’s why it is perfect for that crazy loved one who thinks going on all-day endurance or trail runs is a fun activity. It won’t make them any less crazy, but at least they’ll be hydrated.

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The backpack is made with diamond ripstop nylon material, meaning it’s nice and breathable, allowing the moisture to escape from your back during a hard run. Plus, this makes it water resistant, so bonus!

NIce and clean.
With a large opening for easy access, the bladder is a cinch to clean with just some warm water and maybe a little soap. The bladder is also removable, which makes things that much easier.

Cost and Value
Compared to other bladders of similar capacity, the Camden Gear 1.5L Hydration Pack is a very reasonably priced, decent quality bladder designed to keep you hydrated for extended periods. Definitely a good buy.

Pros

Breathable lightweight fabric

Easy to clean

Convenient storage pockets

Adjusts quickly to fit all sizes

Cons

Bladder can leak where hose is attached

Can break if jostled too much

12. Rocket Pure Natural Deodorizer

Warning, if you’re just coming in from a run, try to make sure you’re alone before you take off your shoes. If you’re not, you soon will be. That is, of course, unless you’ve already used Rocket Pure Natural Mint Shoe Deodorizer. In that case, you’ll be good to go, free of all the nasty odors wafting from your well-worn running shoes. It’s made of all natural ingredients, so you can feel confident spraying it.

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All natural
I really can’t stress this enough. Nowadays, eco-friendly is the way to go. You don’t to smell like harsh chemicals, and you won’t. It’s made with natural essential oils and is paraben free, so no artificial preservatives either.

Minty fresh!
After spraying on the deodorizer, either in your shoes or directly on your feet, you’re met with a gentle peppermint aroma with no chemical smell. It’s almost like aromatherapy, and your loved ones will appreciate it more than your previous foot odour.

Cost and Value
With hundreds of sprays in each bottle, you won’t have to worry about constantly running out. Once you do run out, just go buy another bottle of this well-priced, quality product.

Pros

Long lasting odor control

Hundreds of sprays in each bottle

Smells nice

All natural ingredients

Cons

Smell can be overwhelming

Tends to mask odors instead of eliminating them

13. Duduma Polarized Sunglasses

Duduma Polarized Designer Fashion Sports Sunglasses. That's a mouthful that would no doubt be tough to remember when choosing the right pair of sunglasses for running. It's a good thing, then, that what these bring to the table in terms of value, comfort and versatility is so memorable. They make a stylish addition to any runner's gear.

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Back off sun!
UV protection coating to ward the effects of the sun all day, and polarized to restore true color and eliminate scattered and reflected light.

So pretty
These are very stylish sunglasses. With their clean lines and sleek design, you’ll want to show these babies off! Plus, they come in a variety of color combinations to suit any style.

Cost and Value
You get what you pay for. They are not high end glasses, but they are well-priced, and perfect for sun protection while on a run, and durable enough for everyday use.

Pros

Blocks 100% of harmful UVA and UVB rays

Lightweight and durable

Lifetime breakage warranty

Stylish design

Cons

Plastic frame can break

Fits tight

14. Phaiser BHS-730 Bluetooth Earbuds

I used headphones at the gym all the time. Not for running, but I can understand how wired headphones can be a nuisance when you're out, I know they were a pain for me. Then came wireless headphones, but that option was expensive and unreliable. These headphones go a long way toward solving those issues with solid, quality features without the hefty price tag, making them an ideal deal for any sports enthusiast.

Water damage? No sweat!
While it isn’t likely to happen, occasionally your headphones could get some damage from excessive sweating. Fear not! There lifetime sweatproof warranty will make sure your running along to your playlist again in no time.

Cost and Value
Sturdy enough to hold up to your vigorous everyday use, yet priced well enough that you won’t worry about damaging your investment.

Pros

HD sound

Sweat proofing prevents water damage

Fit securely in place

Lifetime sweatproof warranty

Cons

Not the best battery life

Speakers known to cut out

15. Timex Ironman Classic 30 Watch

When I was around 10 years old, a long, long time ago, I started losing interest in my toys. It was time to grow up. So that Christmas I asked for the most grown up thing I could think of, a Timex Ironman watch. This watch has been synonymous with performance for forever, and is the perfect gift for a runner. For the ones that remember what a watch is, anyway.

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It’s a Timex!
What more do I need to say. These watches were designed with athletes in mind. Quality, performance, great features, it all adds up to Timex

So many alarms!
My son sleeps in all the time. His alarm goes off...and nothing. This watch watch could solve that problem. It has three alarms that can be set simultaneously, ensuring that he should wake up to at least one of them. If that doesn’t work, maybe I can just throw it at him next time. Don't worry, I probably won't.

Cost and Value
Timex is classic. You know what you’re getting when you buy one of their watches: a great price and the excellent quality that made the company famous decades ago.

Pros

Light up watch dial

Simple operation

Iconic Timex quality

Multiple programmable alarms

Cons

Screen can be hard to read from the wrong angle

Band tends to break.

16. GU Energy Chews

Another GU product makes an appearance on this gift list. The reason why is I wanted another type of running fuel, and this one just caught my eye. I like that this one is in the form of a pre-portioned chew, making consuming one a mindless activity, which is important when you need to concentrate on that next milestone. It helps that they taste good, too.

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Eating clean
GU is already pretty well known for their energy gels, and it is a great product. One issue though, is that in the heat of performance, trying to eat it can be a sticky mess. These chews eliminate that problem.

No gluten
This is a feature that would normally considered an afterthought by some companies, but GU takes it seriously. They want everyone to be able to experience their product, so they made it as accessible as they could.

Cost and Value
This isn’t some cheap quick fix energy snack that you can grab at your local gas station. You will pay a fair amount, but you’ll be proven results and lasting energy.

Pros

Provides plenty of electrolytes and calories

Made from ingredients you can pronounce

Mess free

Gluten free

Cons

Melt from heat

Fairly sticky to chew

17. Aennon USB Rechargeable LED

To be fair, I didn’t want to include more than one headlamp on this list, because honestly it doesn’t seem too exciting. Once I saw this one however, it really stood out with its unique look. So I decided to research it a little bit, and then I was convinced. It recharges super easily and is built to last, so how could I not include it?

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Easy to use
Three handy lights that are super bright all at the touch of a button? THat’s right, this lamp offers simple, hassle free operation because really, do you want to fumble around for a light in the dark?

Recharge it
Of course I’m going to talk about the USB charging feature, how could I not? You save money on batteries, and you can just plug it in and forget about it until you need it, and then it’s fully charged and ready to go.

Cost and Value
This headlamp provides the convenience of not having to worry about batteries, being able to keep it charged at all times until you need, and packing a very bright light, all for a very small price. I’m glad I included it on this list.

Pros

Very bright light

No batteries needed

Single button controls

Shock resistant glass lense

Cons

Doesn’t hold a charge for very long

Not ideal for prolonged use

18. TrailHeads Ponytail Headband

The listing for this particular gift idea does state that it’s meant for women, but make no mistake, it can easily be used by those men who happen to be gifted with healthy flowing long hair. I chose this ponytail headband because it has a very classic non-descript aesthetic that doesn’t make it stand out as being for women only.

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Unisex design
I really want to drive home the fact that this headband works for everyone. I understand that the target market is women, but really, its very unassuming appearance is perfect for all runners.

Important aspect 2
This is something I didn't think of. In colder weather, this headband will absolutely cover your ears and protect them from freezing. It's not an alternative to proper winter headgear, but for those early morning jogs, it's perfect.

Cost and Value
This is a simple, well constructed piece of gear that performs a deceptively important function. It was designed solely to do just that,and doesn't waste time, or your money, with useless additions.

Pros

Several color options to choose from

Simple, no nonsense design

Great value

Contoured fit provides warmth in cold weather

Cons

Made from a thin layer of fleece

Fits too small

19. RJ-Sport Elastic No Tie

Wow, the pursuit of convenience has sure come a long way. I wasn't even aware that no tie shoelaces were a thing, though I shouldn't be surprised. This innovative accessory strives to make running as efficient and time savvy as possible, making it the perfect gift for runners with a busy lifestyle where every spare second counts.

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Amazing innovation
Instead of highlighting a specific feature, I'm going to touch on these laces as a whole. Designing something to keep runners from having to stop and tie their shoes, thereby killing their momentum, was a very smart idea.

Not just for runners
Not only are these a great idea for runners, but they wok in a variety of other situations as well. For senior citizens who have mobility issue and struggle to bend over, or young children who have yet to master the task of tying their shoes, this can be seen as a blessing.

Cost and Value
Essentially an elastic drawstring that keeps your shoes properly fitting your feet, the cost of these laces was never going to be all that much, but the value you get in return is substantial.

Pros

Contours for comfort

Great functionality

Easy to install

Water resistant

Cons

Can be too tight

A bit large for some shoes

20. Eat Sleep Run Repeat Shirt

To really cap off this list I wanted something that wasn’t necessarily used for running, but rather something that a running enthusiast could use to pledge their allegiance to the sport in their downtime. I also wanted something that wasn’t gender specific, so man and woman alike can be proud of what they do. The gift that fits all those criteria and then some? A classic T-shirt with a catchy slogan emblazoned across the chest.

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Well made
These shirts are made from cotton, for the most part. What I mean is that while the solid color options are 100% cotton, the other choices are made from a blend that still consists mostly of sturdy, breathable cotton.

Options are good.
HAving a shirt with a specific slogan on it kind of relegates it to a bit of a niche audience. To combat that, it is also available in a wide array of colors and sizes, opening it up to a larger demographic: everybody.

Cost and Value
It`s ridiculous how much a T-shirt can cost these days, especially if it`s a branded or printed shirt. Fortunately when you buy one of these shirts, you`re getting top quality construction with a clever slogan for a very fair price.

Pros

Several colors and sizes to choose from

Solid cotton and cotton blend construction

Lightweight, classic fit

Great for runners and non runners of all sorts

Cons

Can shrink

Color can fade

Criteria used for evaluation

Since this buying guide is meant to cover as broad a range of topics as possible in order to give the best gift options available for runner in your life, the same rules for criteria can’t be used here as they don’t translate very well in this case. That being said, the criteria was quite a bit more subjective, yet structured in a way that would encompass all the subcategories equally if possible. So while there were some different criteria for each individual listing as determined by what I wanted to include that I won’t be getting into this time, the following list was meant to be used as a general guide.

Price

Price really wasn’t a factor in the sense that I wanted to include only low priced, bargain bin items in this guide. I don’t feel like that would be very fair. Sure, we all love a bargain, but there is always that person who expresses their feelings and emotions through buying large extravagant gifts. For that reason, I wanted to include a range of prices, from the small gifts that only cost a few dollars and are perfect to show someone that you’re thinking of them, all the way to the high tech, gadget heavy watch that checks your pulse and heart rate, and keeps track of your mileage while costing a small fortune. So hopefully I did my job, and you are able to find gifts that met your needs and are comfortable on your wallets.

One thing that I did take into account, and that I felt was non-negotiable, was value. It didn’t matter how much the item costs, it has to offer something above and beyond, more than justifying its price point. Whether this means having a ton of useful features, being built incredibly well, or just being exceptionally versatile, the value had to be such that it left you feeling good about your purchase with no second thoughts.

On the other hand, sometimes having the latest smart watch, or ergonomic, recycled, light as air running shoe, regardless of whether you truly need it or not, is just for the sake of showing off. Once in awhile, you just need to feel cool.

Availability

Even though there are thousands of different possible gift ideas available for your favorite runner, not everything is equally available in every area. This can be due to regional differences, different laws governing the region, climate, or just public demand for the item.

To combat this potential obstacle, I first made sure that each and every item on this list can be easily purchased online. Not only does it need to be sold on the most widely used sites, but it need to be in stock on a regular basis. More available stock means that there is a lower chance that if there is ever an issue, there is no replacement or the warranty can’t be honored.

Once online availability was assured, I did what I could to make sure that these items are popular enough to be carried in most large retail chains across the country. Sometimes things happen, and a gift is needed as soon as possible, and the sometimes lengthy delivery times just won’t do. Most of these gifts are by well known, established brands that aren’t likely to go away any time soon.

Of course, these measures are not foolproof, and these gifts can be hard to find, especially during peak holiday times. In that case, it’s best to be as productive as possible and purchase them as far ahead as you can.

Relevance

This was one of the criteria I mentioned above that was a lot more subjective than most, and therefore I had to use my discretion when using it to select the ideal gift. Not every accessory is regarded highly by every runner. Some things are impractical, or even silly, to some people.

Depending on what type of running you choose, some items won’t make sense. Trail runners don’t need ultra thin flexible runners. Sprinters don’t need as much fuel. I’ve said this several times already, but it fits in as much here as anywhere else: I focused on covering as broad a spectrum as possible in order to make sure these gifts were relevant in as many situations as possible. The rest is really up to you and your runner to decide.

Versatility & Functionality

Normally I’d have versatility and functionality as their own separate categories, but in this circumstance I realized that one is only possible because of the other. If it wasn’t functional, it wasn’t going to be very versatile. There was no getting around that fact no matter how much I tried.

A runner wants to optimize their performance when out on the track or street, and that means really being aware of what they bring with them. Not only is this due to weight issues, but also, as strange as it sounds, wind resistance and drag plays a part. Not to mention that you really just don’t have a lot of room to carry stuff with you. That’s where functionality comes in. For the most part, I chose accessories that served several purposes during a run. The ones that were more limited weren’t usually taken on the run but used as part of a pre- or post run ritual, as in the case of the energy gels and chews.

The small items and the clothing were easier to forgive. Regardless of how many tricks they could perform, I couldn’t really get away from the fact that runners need shoes in most scenarios. More so, I couldn’t omit shorts or shirts, because running naked is just streaking, and that’s a whole other category. The other wearable items were included because they took care of a fairly pressing need, such carrying your identification, keys, and phone while being reasonable unobtrusive.

It was the larger items that came under more scrutiny. These invariably were heavier and/or took up more real estate, so you need to be very careful when deciding whether to bring them along. The electronic devices, such as watches or earphones aren’t critical to being able to run, but they offer such features that can either monitor progress or provide a distraction during the more mundane moments.

Aside from those items, anything else I’ve pretty much left up to the discretion of the runner in question, since nobody really knows what they need better than them.

Terminology

Antioxidants: Oxidizing agents can create free radicals that float throughout a person’s body and cause cell damage. Antioxidants are molecules that inhibit the oxidation process.

Chafing: This can occur when something, usually a piece of clothing, fits too tight against the body, rubbing the skin and causing friction, resulting in redness, welts, and in severe cases, open wounds.

Breathable: This refers to the density and structure of the fabric being used. Breathable fabric allows some airflow to circulate around the body, drying moisture and minimizing the chances of sweating. A good naturally breathable and very widely used material is cotton. Being a natural fiber, cotton will absorb the moisture rather than expelling it.

Electrolytes: A liquid or gel containing ions that can be decomposed when exposed to water, allowing it to conduct electricity in the body, helping to regulate nerve and muscle function, rehydrate cells, and help rebuild damaged tissue.

BCAA: Branched-Chain Amino Acid. They help stimulate protein synthesis. Supplementing with BCAAs can help prevent the catabolic (protein breakdown) effects of dieting and intense exercise.

Hydration bladder: Also known as a hydration pack, this is a hydration system built into a backpack or in some cases a waist pack. The bladder is a reservoir usually made of rubber or plastic that holds water and helps to keep it cool.There is a hose attached to it with a capped mouth on the end that can be filled with water, allowing for hands free drinking while running.

Polarized: The lenses of sunglasses are coated with a chemical film that reduces glare. This helps the wearer to see more clearly while wearing their glasses on sunny days.

FAQ’s

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know which gift to get?

That’s all going to depend on what the runner in your life needs the most. Each of these gift ideas were included because they are ideal additions to any runner`s gear, but again, they may only need or want specific items.

Q: Should I just get them all?

You could. Like I stated above, each of the selections were hand picked because of their versatility and importance to runners. Chances are that at some, any runner will find a use for all of these.

Q: Do runners actually use any of these products?

With only one exception, these items are all deemed necessary to one degree or another. One of these are novelty gifts or useless trinkets. I included a wider variety in order to ensure that there was something for everybody for exactly this reason.

Q: Won’t any type of shoe do the same thing?

Not even a little bit. It’s always been known that different shoes are more ideal for certain situations, and the wrong shoe can cause pain, discomfort, and sometimes injury. Running shoes were specifically designed to be lightweight and extremely breathable, with a contoured shape to conform to the foot offering comfort and support. All of these are crucial in delivering a safe, rewarding experience without fear of hurting yourself. Other types of shoe will offer one or even a few of these features, but none will address all of your need like a runner will.

Q: Hydration bladders look heavy and bulky. Does that defeat the purpose?

At first glance, yes, hydration bladders do seem like they’d be at least somewhat prohibitive, but manufacturers have taken steps to make them as comfortable as possible, From being constructed from breathable lightweight materials, to adjusting the harness to not constrict, hydration bladders today are still noticeable, but inconveniently so. Keep in mind though, that they are meant for long distance endurance runs, and not so much for sprints or other runs where speed is the goal.

Q: Why not a hat?

When I compiled this list, I want to include items that wouldn’t necessarily come to mind immediately. Gift buying can be difficult, especially when you’re not one hundred percent sure what to buy. With that in mind, I tried to make selections that are well thought out, and maybe even a bit unique. As this isn’t an all encompassing list, there is nothing saying that any runner wouldn’t absolutely love having a hat while on a run.

Q: Do sunglasses have to be polarized?

No, it’s not a requirement that all be sunglasses be polarized. Some people find the effect disorienting or uncomfortable. Not using polarized lenses however, will likely limit a runner’s availability to cloudy or overcast days, or even evenings and nights.